July 6, 2016

California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis g. californiae)are fairly opportunistic when they are searching for food. Not only will they go after rattlesnakes and other snakes, they will chase down rodents and smaller reptiles, among other animals. Bryan Snyder, an outdoor travel author with Off The Map Adventures, photographed a California kingsnake in the process of eating an alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), but the alligator lizard apparently didn’t want to be eaten that day back in 2014.

Here are my favorite Reddit comments about this photo: [–]YouShallBeBanned: Well, Mark Zuckerburg was seen alive...

The image is telling, showing just the head of the alligator lizard left for the snake to eat, but with one simple complication. The alligator lizard has clamped down on the snake’s body and seemingly refuses to let go.

A two-year old picture of mine of a kingsnake/alligator lizard battle royale is apparently getting some British media...